CPT 90836 is the add-on code for 45 minutes of psychotherapy performed with an E/M service on the same date. It corresponds to the standalone 90834 but is used when an E/M service is also delivered.
When to use 90836
Add 90836 when roughly 38–52 minutes of psychotherapy accompanies an E/M service. The 30- and 60-minute equivalents are 90833 and 90838.
How to bill it
Bill as an add-on to a qualifying E/M code on the same date, with psychotherapy time documented separately from the medical portion.
Common pitfalls
- Reporting 90836 without a primary E/M code.
- Double-counting minutes across the E/M and psychotherapy portions.
Frequently asked questions
How does 90836 differ from 90834?
90834 is standalone psychotherapy. 90836 is the same length of therapy billed as an add-on when an E/M service is also provided on the same date.
Can I bill 90836 and an E/M code separately?
Yes, that is exactly its purpose, but the psychotherapy time must be distinct and separately documented from the E/M time.